Xie said that the Chinese side is "deeply shocked" by the abductions and "much concerned" with the safety of the 29 people.

China has sent a working group to Sudan to aid in the rescue of the Chinese nationals.

"China urges the Sudanese side to keep in mind the overall situation of bilateral friendship and cooperation, continue making greater efforts through multiple channels, do as much as possible to ensure the safety of the Chinese nationals and create favorable conditions for their swift release," the vice foreign minister said.

Sudan should also take effective measures to ensure the safety of other Chinese nationals and enterprises in Sudan, Xie said.

Eisa said the Sudanese side deeply regrets the incident and the Sudanese government gives great attention to China's concerns and requests, according to the release.

Sudan will work hard to properly address the incident and make full efforts to safely rescue the abducted Chinese nationals and enhance protection for Chinese nationals and enterprises in the African country.

A group of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA)/northern sector on Saturday attacked the site of a Chinese company doing roadwork in South Kordofan State.

Forty-seven Chinese workers were present at the time of the attack. Twenty-nine of them were abducted and 18 fled to neighboring areas, where the SPLA found 17 of them and moved them to a safe area. One person remains missing.